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In one recent case, nine people were discovered living in a three-bedroom rented property off Beverley Road.

It prompted one councillor to claim the area was being used as a "dumping ground" by some unscrupulous landlords using properties to cram people in.

What are HMOs?

The term HMO stands for House in Multiple Occupation. A house becomes a HMO when at least three tenants live there under the same roof sharing toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities.

Your home is a large HMO if the building is at least three storeys high and shared by five or more tenants who also share toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities.

All large HMOs need a licence from the council. Landlords who do not obtain this could end up being given an unlimited fine.

The house muse be suitable for the number of occupants in terms of size and facilities and the manager of the house should be "fit and proper." This means they will have no criminal record and no breaches of landlord laws or codes of practice.

Last week, long-term residents in Malm Street in west Hull formed a new association in an attempt to halt the spread of HMOs in the area.

Now the city council's cabinet has given the go-ahead to create an enhanced inspection regime covering HMOs.

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It will see a new five-strong team being set up to carry out more checks on properties and landlords.

Council deputy leader Councillor Daren Hale said: "Often those living in HMOs or private rented accommodation can be vulnerable, young or from an overseas background.